Sydney Roosters star Boyd Cordner has credited his mental toughness for helping him turn in two inspirational performances in the space of 72 hours.
Three days after leading the Blues to a record State of Origin victory in a game described as one of the toughest in recent history, Cordner starred in an 18-16 NRL win over Brisbane.
The Blues skipper admitted the series-opening win on Wednesday had taken a toll on his body but not his mind, as he crossed for two decisive tries in a high-quality encounter.
"I thought mentally I was really good today. With the game on Wednesday night and how it went, I thought it was a really physical game so I wasn't at 100 per cent physically," he said.
"But mentally I was sweet and I think that's what got me through tonight."
The 24-year-old also made the stunning admission that he doesn't mind the short turnaround because it meant he had missed the week-long build-up to the match.
"I even wouldn't have minded playing last night," he said.
"I think it's because you're really calm going into the game, you're not thinking about it all week and you don't have to spend all that nervous energy worrying about players or the opposition.
"You just go in with a clear head and sometimes it works out for you."
Roosters coach Trent Robinson lauded Cordner's contribution to the win, but was more impressed with his second try than the first, which broke a 6-6 deadlock in the first half.
He completed his brace when he latched onto a Jordan Kahu fumble and sealed the win.
"It's not a carry where someone sees all the time. It's a kick-chase that usually ends up in just having to make a tackle on somebody that not everybody notices," Robinson said.
"If you end up there enough like he does, you'll end up with the ball in your hands and he took the game away. It's just an incredible performance, and what a week."
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